Mayank Yadav, the young speedster who set the IPL ablaze in 2024, has made a remarkable debut for India in the recent T20I series against Bangladesh. After a lengthy rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy, Yadav showcased his sharp bowling skills, claiming four wickets in three matches.
His standout performance came in the third T20I in Hyderabad, where he became the fourth bowler in T20I history to take a wicket with the first ball of an innings. This elite group includes Indian bowlers Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
Yadav’s impressive outings have earned him a spot as a traveling reserve for India’s upcoming three-match Test series against New Zealand. This opportunity will allow him to test his abilities in the longer format of the game.
While some experts advocate for cautious handling of Yadav, former India cricketer and ex-selector Jatin Paranjape believes otherwise. “We should take it step by step with Mayank Yadav. The talk about wrapping him in cotton wool is exaggerated,” said Paranjape.
He emphasized the importance of bowling for bowlers’ development, stating, “Bowlers need to bowl to improve, they don’t get better by just working out in the gym. The focus should be on making him stronger physiologically.”
Yadav’s limited experience in First Class cricket, with only one match for Delhi, raises questions about his readiness for Test cricket. However, the upcoming series against New Zealand will provide him with a valuable opportunity to test his endurance and adaptability.
